U.S. Department of State
09/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/12/2025 11:43
On Scarborough Reef
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On Scarborough Reef
Press Statement
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
September 12, 2025
The United States stands with our Philippine ally in rejecting China's destabilizing plans to establish a "national nature reserve" at Scarborough Reef. Beijing claiming Scarborough Reef as a nature preserve is yet another coercive attempt to advance sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbors, including by preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing these traditional fishing grounds. China's actions at Scarborough Reef continue to undermine regional stability.
The United States calls upon China to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal's unanimous decision that China had unlawfully prevented Filipino fishermen from engaging in traditional fishing at Scarborough Reef, which is final and legally binding on both Parties.
Tags
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Bilateral Relations and Engagement Borders, Boundaries, and Jurisdiction Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs China Conflict Management Foreign Policy Geopolitical and Regional Policy Maritime Office of the Spokesperson Philippines Regional Policy Rule of Law The Secretary of State
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